It's so funny isn't it? I used to see Yamazaki on shelves for about $65. It was no big deal until they discontinued it. Springbank Scotches, always a little pricey, now are unobtanium. Midwinter Nights Dram from High West? My first bottle was $75, didn't think it was really worth that, did get a second. Now it's behind glass and $200. That Eagle Rare 17? I remember seeing that on shelves at MSRP, which was well under $100. Stagg Jr. was an everyday bourbon at $45, now stores want $200? Why? It isn't any better than Rare Breed. It isn't Buffalo Trace marking those up, it's the shops.
Had a discussion with Ryan Maloney from Julios/Loch & Key two weeks ago at the store. He said the Four Roses SiB store picks are a goner. They want to charge the stores $120 and he says he can't really sell it to anyone at $100. He's now the VP of the whole liquor store industry association. Talked about how sales are down across the board, every category, beer, wine, spirits. Mezacal is doing ok. But he's frustated by some producers not recognizing it. His store does so many single barrel store picks, he started the first ever program at Heaven Hill for those. But he's shifting to producers/bottlers that give him something unique and very good that he can sell at or below $100 and make money on. It's going to be interesting to watch the shakeout.
